The worm gears in the steering boxes are commonly worn out on the 1st gens.
It is very expensive to have the worm gears made up so ur best bet is to find a second hand one. As you have demonstrated it seems you know how to give them a basic lookover to check for wear.
As you have described, yes the steering box is one of the causes of your problem.
It would take alot to get the 2t to have some balls. Finding a 2tg would be your next best and cheapest option.
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